OFO Young Birders Canada Jay Weekend in Algonquin Park
Spend a weekend at Algonquin Park enjoying winter birds and learning about Canada Jay breeding behaviour on territory with Canada Jay researchers.
Meet Saturday morning at 10:30 am at the Wildlife Research Station, Director’s Cabin. Canada Jay birding begins at 11:00 am Saturday morning, followed by a visit to the Visitor's Centre, potluck supper and evening program.
Proposed Weekend Schedule
Friday night
- Optional arrival and overnight at Wildlife Research Station or other accommodation
Saturday
- Early morning birding at the Wildlife Research Station or Saturday arrival
- Orientation with Canada Jay researchers at the Wildlife Research Station
- Visit Canada Jay territories
- Stop over at Visitor's Centre to view feeder activity
- Dinner and evening activity at the Wildlife Research Station
Sunday
- Morning birding - location TBD
- Optional self-serve lunch at the Wildlife Research Station
- Departure
Important Information
Due to Covid, accommodations at the Wildllfe Research Station (WRS) are limited to 14 people for overnight accommodations. The cost of accommodations at the WRS is $42 / night / per person + GST, payable to the WRS.
We have reserved 2 spots at the WRS for adult supervisors. We invite young birders age 14 and up to register for the remaining 12 places, if they are able to stay without parent or guardian supervision. We encourage younger birders to arrange for accommodation nearby. Car pooling is required.
We will use the Director's Cabin at the WRS as our headquarters for meals and meetings. The cabin is equipped with a full kitchen and inside bathroom. The bathroom is for the use of adults since the capacity of the plumbing system is limited. Outhouses are available for the complete wilderness experience.
Food will be self-catered and menu and cost will be determined before the weekend.
Medication is the responsibility of the young birder and parent / guardian. Leaders are not trained in first aid. A basic first aid kit will be available in the case of an incident.
Please Note: All plans are subject to change due to the uncertainty of the covid situation. Places at the WRS will be made available to younger birders and parents / guardians if numbers permit.
We will follow all public health guidelines in force at the time of the event. The expectation is that all attendees are vaccinated.
About the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station
The Algonquin Wildlife Research Station is nestled on the edge of a small lake and surrounded by mature forest. Originally a collection of simple cabins built for university researchers, it now also hosts nature groups and naturalists.
What to expect: Accommodations are rustic! We will use various cabins and our headquarters will be at the Director’s Cabin which has a full kitchen and gathering space. Space heaters keep the cabins comfortable but sweaters and slippers will be needed. We’ll sleep in shared rooms on bunk beds. Bring sleeping bags, pillows, and towels.
Bathroom Facilities: Indoor bathrooms are available for adults. However due to the septic system the young birders will need to use the outhouses unless there is an emergency.
How to get there: The Wildlife Research Station is off highway 60 on the North side at km 30.5 on the unmarked gravel road directly across the highway from the Mew Lake Campground entrance. You will wind your way around toward the bunk houses, and there's a bit of signage along the way.
Cell Phone Reception: There is no cell phone reception. To get reception, you need to drive out to Highway 60 about a 2-minute drive.
Contact: The landline at the centre is: (+1) 705-633-5621
Website: https://www.algonquinwrs.ca/
